The media-savvy beauty queen paused to smile and wave for the cameras as she arrived at the FlowerHouse marquee in Federation Square, apologising for her delayed flight.

Ms Hawkins will be in town until tomorrow, taking a break from her Miss Universe demands.

Impeccably dressed by local fashion label Ty & Melita, she said she was eager to promote Australian designers overseas.

"Australian fashion has a real edge to it and I think it will do really well in America," she said.

Sweltering like a hothouse flower as the sun beat down through the clear plastic roof of the marquee, the 20-year-old said she had been nervous about the reception she would receive on her return to Australia after winning the Miss Universe crown in June.

"Australia isn't really into pageants and that sort of thing, but everyone's been really supportive," she said.

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But what of her catwalk incident at a Sydney fashion show last week, in which spectators were treated to a "wardrobe malfunction" of Janet Jackson proportions after Ms Hawkins bared a little more than intended?

"Oh, I was so embarrassed," she said with a laugh. "But I'm over it, definitely."

She hasn't ruled out attempting the catwalk again, although next time she will be prepared. "I've brought some safety pins," she said.

With a final smile and wave, the former rugby cheerleader left 10 minutes later, heading for the National Gallery before returning to the FlowerHouse for the evening's Undercover swim and sleepwear parade.